Andrew Jackson was born in North Carolina in 1767. His parents were Scotch Irish.
Schools were few and poor and Andy learned more from the woods than from books. As a boy he was full of fun and mischief and fond of sports, but he was very hot tempered.
When he was thirteen he learned what war meant for it was the time of the Revolution. Colonel Tarleton killed more than a hundred of Jackson's neighbors and friends, among them Andy's own brother. He never forgave the British.
At fourteen he was taken prisoner by the British.
The first act will be Andrew Jackson and a British officer. Enter soldiers dragging Andrew. Officer at desk. Men salute officer.
Men: We have found this young fellow acting in a suspicious manner around the camp, Colonel.
Officer: Well, well, a young rebel eh!
Andrew: Yes, a rebel.
Officer: We'll see what you are good for, boy. Clean these boots.
Jackson: I will not. I am a prisoner of war and expect to be treated as such.
Officer: You won't! Won't you! (Draws sword and strikes boy on head). (Soldiers drag him from room).
End of Act I.
At Camden smallpox killed his remaining brother and left Andrew poor and sickly looking. His mother also lost her life in caring for American prisoners. Jackson was left an orphan of the Revolution. He studied law and at twenty was admitted to practice in the courts of the State.
Stories from Tennessee made him long to see that beautiful country, so in company with nearly a hundred men, women and children he crossed the mountains into Tennessee.
The next Act will be Jackson and others sitting around a camp-fire, telling stories of the Revolution.
Jackson: This beautiful country of Nolichucky Jack's is worth the trouble we have had in coming. Something in the stillness of the night makes me think of those dreadful Revolutionary days. What a time it was and what a lot of great heroes our country had.
One of Men: Yes, those were stirring days. Well do I remember that day on the Boston Common. On the slopes of the hill where the State House now stands there was a fine place to skate and slide. We fellows learned our spelling those days for if we didn't we couldn't skate. One day after school we hurried to the hillside. We found the ice broken everywhere. We knew the [Pg 22] British Redcoats had done the damage. They thought it fun to make the Yankees angry. We went to General Gage and told him what his soldiers had done. He said "You are plucky boys. If my soldiers bother you again, let me know."
One of the Girls: Have you ever heard the story of Lydia Darrah?
No, tell us.
Lydia was my grandmother. She lived in Philadelphia with her husband and younger children. General Howe's adjutant took up his quarters and secured a back room in which private councils could be held. Just before one of these my grandmother was told to retire early as the British officers would require the room at seven o'clock and would remain late. Lydia suspected that something against the patriot army was to take place. She sent the family to bed and taking off her shoes crept down the stairs and listened at the door. She learned that all the British troops were to march out and surprise General Washington and his army. She knew it lay in her power to save the lives of thousands of people. She decided to find a way of telling the news.
Going to the mill for flour, she left her sack to be filled and hurried on to the American camp where she told one of the officers she knew. He galloped off to Headquarters and informed General Washington.
The British officers never knew who gave Washington the information.
Jackson: She was a brave woman. There were many brave women and men.
Man: And that fight at Bunker Hill. Of course we lost because we didn't have enough powder but how our brave boys did fight, as long as the powder held out. They cut down whole ranks of the British army as they advanced up the shore.
Jackson: Well folks, I think we better go to bed. We have a hard journey ahead of us. I will keep watch.
(Jackson leans up against tree, smoking corncob pipe).
(Suddenly the sound of an owl is heard in the distance).
Jackson speaks to the man with him: "A little too natural that owl. I fear it is Indians. We must arouse the people and go."
(Goes and arouses people who get ready to leave.)
End of Act II.
Jackson was successful as a lawyer; was made district attorney and was finally elected to Congress. Later became a frontier judge and a man of business. He won fame as a fighter in the war of 1812, and in many fights with the Indians and won the name of "Old Hickory."
The next act will be calling for volunteers to fight at New Orleans.
Jackson's Speech: The British are again our enemies. They are capturing our men on the high seas and forcing them to fight for Great Britain. Shall we stand this? No, I say no. Perry and other great sailors are fighting hard with [Pg 23] our vessels. The British, if we are not careful, will capture New Orleans. Who volunteers to go with me? On to New Orleans and Victory!!
End of Act III.
After the Battle of New Orleans Jackson was a great hero. In 1828 he was elected President of the United States. He had bitter quarrels with Clay, Calhoun and Webster over the U. S. Banks. In the Senate was another great man, Thomas H. Benton. He and Jackson had once fought a duel but were now good friends. Benton took Jackson's part against the other men. Refusal of South Carolina to pay the tariff caused trouble during Jackson's time. This act was called nullification.
The next act will be President Jackson talking to General Scott about South Carolina.
Jackson: South Carolina must be forced to obey the laws of the land. The tariff will be collected by force if necessary. To nullify an Act of Congress would be most dangerous to the Union. Take soldiers and war vessels, General Scott, to Charleston and enforce the law at all hazards.
General Scott: I will do my best to enforce the laws of the land, President Jackson.